A planeload of Syrian refugees landed in Canada on Dec. 27. The new arrivals, having fled war in their home and then endured years of hardship in refugee camps, were overwhelmed by the warm reception.

Bilal Alfaloji was on that plane and is now in Vancouver with his wife and three young children, sharing temporary lodging with dozens of other families. “It was a really big surprise, the welcoming from the people,” he said. A metal worker by trade, Mr. Alfaloji is eager to begin a new life: “I’m ready to work.”

Not far away, at an austere apartment in Surrey, two sisters sit on a sofa, framed on each side by their elderly parents. Both their husbands remain overseas. The women do not want to be identified for fear it will put their men in danger.